{% include "includes/auth/janrain/signIn_traditional.html" with message='It looks like you are already verified. If you still have trouble signing in, you probably need a new confirmation link email.' %}

Dayton is the Land of Funk for a Reason

Dayton, Ohio is the birthplace of funk, and man, do we ever live up to that reputation this weekend. I’m simply amazed by the amount of live music in this town over the next few days. There are some really incredible lineups on deck. Let’s help these musicians keep it funky, and join in the fun!

Thursday, January 21st

Some weeks you just really need to let loose on a Thursday night – am I right? Tonight is one of the best Thursdays to get out there and do just that! Yosemight and SassafraZ are two of the hottest up-and-coming jam/improv bands in the region, and are coming to Canal Public House to make sure this town has got some heart! (Wink to the Dead fans out there!) And yes, they are certainly bringing the funk!

Kicking off the night is Ernie Johnson from Detroit, which is a new band that packed with cool people. Pro tip: This is all going to be very danceable, so bring comfy shoes! Doors 8 p.m. Show 10 p.m. Ages 18+, $5 cover. (SO worth it.)

Columbus-based super group SassafraZ will be performing at Canal Public House Thursday evening with Yosemight and Ernie Johnson from Detroit.

Another band in town along those same psychedelic, funk, jam vibe is Louisville’s home grown band Vessel. They will be performing at Oscar’s Bar in Vandalia. I’m hearing really great things about this band, and the bar, so don’t be shy to drive up north. Plus, no cover! Music 10 p.m.

For those of you west of town, Taffy’s of Eaton claims to have the best Open Mic Night around. Each week they have 12-18 artists perform 15-20 min sets. This week Harley Aaron Pemberton hosts this lively session at one the areas “meccas of music.” Check it out! Musicians interested in performing, call 937.456.1381 to be in the line-up to perform.

Friday, January 22nd

Rock’n’roll fans, if you like the heavy stuff and getting crazy with your friends, here is a dream lineup if I’ve ever seen one, featuring local legends Legbone, Nightbeast, Reefer Hut, Jasper the Colossal and Throttle. (I just did an air guitar move after reading that line! Seriously! Ha!) This can all be had for the steal of a price – $6! Head over to Oddbody’s Music Room, which has amazing sound by the way. Might even want to slip a pair of ear plugs in your pocket before you go. Protect those ears! Doors 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. See you there!

Speaking of local legends, you can catch Motel Beds, along with Speaking Suns and Birthday Boy (Athens) over at Canal Public House this evening. Sure to be a very full room, so I’d advise to get there early! Show 8:30 p.m., ages 18+, $7 cover.

Kudos to whomever pulled together The New Old-Fashioned, Good Luck Year, The 1984 Draft, and Greg Jones for a show. Man, that’s a stacked lineup of talent right there. If you’re into just straight up good rock’n’roll, Americana and everything in-between, this is your ticket. Music starts at 8 p.m. over at the Old Yellow Cab Building, with Jones, who is the acoustic opener, and then switches between the main bands on the hour, ending with TNOF with an 11 p.m. set. Somewhat early evening, which is perfect for a lot of you with babysitters at home.

Folk, indie up-and-comer Joshua Powell (Indiana) performs tonight at Trolley Stop. I’ve been so curious to check him out, as his recorded music is really solid. Looking for something a little more low key from all the craziness? This is an ideal spot. 9:30 p.m. Typically $5 cover.

EDM and late night peeps, remember tonight is Deep House Fridays at Therapy Cafe. This week features Doc Martin from San Francisco and DJ Heather from Chicago, among other earlier regional DJs. 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Tickets $5-$20.

Yellow Springs has an absolutely delicious night of music this evening, with Ohio Brass & Electric performing at Emporium Wines & The Underdog Cafe from 7-10 p.m. They promise delicious wines to taste, fascinating people to talk to, and enthusiastic dancers to dance with – what more could you ask for?!

When you wrap up there, make sure you check out the Grover CD Release Party at Peach’s Grill. Grover is a simply fantastic hometown group that will keep you dancing all night long! Sending a big note of congrats to this group for finishing their album entitled “Tonight Only.” They are one of my favorites, so please be sure to show them some love tonight. No cover! 9 p.m. Ages 18+.

Way out west, over in Richmond, Shotgun Surprise is hosting a birthday bash at The Sportsman. SS is a rock band through and through. Do enjoy! No cover tonight. 9 p.m.

Saturday, January 23rd

If you thought there were a lot of options on Friday night, we are just getting going. Saturday is packed with amazing live, original music options. There are so many options, I’m going to be fairly brief with descriptions. Remember, click hyperlinks for more info and links to samples of music!

One of the big shows this evening is the “Take to the Air” CD Release Party for Nasty Bingo. They are getting the party started with Trey Stone & The Ringers. That’s going to be one heck of a party over at Oregon Express! The “cover” is $15 but includes a copy of the CD, which is a fantastic deal. Don’t miss this one folks, it’s going to be a very special night.

Two of my local faves, The Boxcar Suite and Charlie Tipton Band are performing at Jimmie’s Ladder 11, and I could not be more excited! Both of these bands feature great song writing, and just the right amount of rock’n’roll. Think Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers or Neil Young. Love that style? Get here and see Dayton’s closest version! NO cover! (woot!) Music starts at 9:30 p.m.

Another killer line-up from Canal Public House show tonight, featuring the eclectic rock sound that is Adam’s Ale & JoJo Stella, as well as the laid back, southern funk stylings of Will C and Family. I really love all of all of this. Jam band friends, simply enjoy. Doors 8pm. Show 9:30 p.m. $7 at the door. Ages 18+.

Troy:Back Talk Blues Band, featuring Gary Guitar Williams is performing at Square Roots Records Live in downtown Troy. He is one of the hippest and baddest blues/soul band in the midwest. Doors at 8 p.m., show at 9 p.m. Cost: $10; BYOB.

Sunday, January 24th

Feeling funky this Sunday? Top Secret will be performing old school favorites, along with some new originals, to keep you groovin’ this evening. Music from 7-11 p.m. at American Legion Post 776 Ohio. $5 cover.

Phonophage is performing for their first time as a complete live band this evening, along with Anu Sava and Yikes A Band! over at Blind Bob’s. Exciting! 8:30 p.m.

Tune in to hear my friend and co-writer of the Guided by Noises article, Vivienne Machi, perform with her band Babbling April on WYSO’s Kaleidoscope show, with the lovely host Juliet Fromholt. Tune in from 8-11pm. (P.S….Check out our latest edition of Guided by Noises here.)

Bonus material for readers: As some of you know, I was blessed to be on Jam Cruise, an amazing excursion through the Caribbean with literally the most amazing musicians on the planet, including Snarky Puppy (Don’t know who they are? Get familiar, especially jazz fans), Dumpstaphunk, Lettuce, Twiddle and local band, The Werks! Check out The Werks absolutely crushing it on the pool deck: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uo_rxEaJAw (video by yours truly)

As always, thank you for supporting the live music scene in Dayton.

Your Dayton Music Insider,
Libby Ballengee

Note to Readers: The information above is for Jan 21st – 27th. If I don’t list a price, it’s because I’m not sure what the price is. Generally cover charges for local shows are $5. Please click the hyperlinks to find out more about the bands, venues and events, including start times, directions, and ticket availability. As you can see, I try to promote as many shows as possible, but there will be some I miss. Keep me in the loop: @LibbyBallengee. Check out the latest shows I’m promoting @theVenusChild. You can also keep up with my adventures on Instagram here.